Lo Monaco: ‘Lopez must focus’

Pietro Lo Monaco has fired a warning at Maxi Lopez to concentrate on Catania until his expected move to Milan this January.

Pietro Lo Monaco has fired a warning at Maxi Lopez to concentrate on Catania until his expected move to Milan this January.

The Argentine striker, marginalised at the Stadio Angelo Massimino by VincenzoMontella in favour of Gonzalo Bergessio, is reportedly set for a switch in the winter transfer market to Milan.

Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno understand that a pre-contract agreement regarding the player’s future was signed with Milan’s AdrianoGalliani some two weeks ago.

However, sporting director Lo Monaco, who earlier this week chose to make public that there is a ‘general agreement’ between the clubs on the move, has more recently taken the opportunity to remind the player that focus must remain on the here and now with the Rossazzurri.

“He has to think more about Catania. It is not the right time to talk about the transfer market, we have to think about upcoming games.

“Maxi Lopez is our best striker, we have a month to wait until the market opens, with four important games, and he is needed and will be used for our cause.”

Lo Monaco was speaking to the media at the club’s unveiling of a number of Catania’s most famous shirts from its past that will go on display at the local shopping district.

With an audience that also included past and present players, the ds didn’t hold back when reflecting on GliElefanti’s recent struggles. Montella’s side travel to Atalanta this weekend looking for their second successive away win to appease three consecutive home defeats in all competitions.

“We have no balls. When we have the opportunity to take a step forward in quality, right on time we fail.

“The players can only blame themselves. They have every chance to do well, we could be fourth in the standings and be speaking of other things.

“They say they are men? Then show it - they have the opportunity to do so in Bergamo. It is the worst trip to come up at this time, but I expect a reaction that is domineering and strong.”